Fighting to keep their Ashes hopes alive, England made a decisive stand during the third Test at the Adelaide Oval. Amidst a record-breaking attendance surpassing 200,000, players like Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes took center stage in a match filled with tensions and significant performances.
Crawley had been somewhat maligned in his position at the head of England’s batting order, but it was he who dropped an unforgettable innings. He made 85 runs and when he departed the English resistance and hope went with him. His performance uncoiled frenzied debates within the team regarding his long-term trajectory. It might turn out that he was the one who skillfully defined a new role for himself in their wake.
Just as England played Australia again in a high-stakes rematch, they ran into the unflappable Pat Cummins — their new arch-nemesis. The Aussie skipper was able to send Joe Root back after 39 runs to his name. This is the 13th time he has dismissed Root in Test cricket, a record not bettered by any other bowler against the former England captain.
Root’s exit only added to the distresses for England. They were unable to get past Australia’s second innings score of 349 runs. With Crawley now out, the pressure was then heaped on the other batsmen to a point of absurdity. Ollie Pope’s troubles in the number 3 spot are well documented. He averaged only 17.62 across 16 Ashes innings. This deeply alarming statistic places him in the company of Dennis Amiss, the only other England player since 1900 to have played as many top order innings while averaging under 18.
In the third day of the Ashes Test, Stokes made his comeback appearance as a bowler following the recovery from his injury. He bowled seven consecutive overs to begin the session. His presence was vital. England took an early dream hold of the Australian batting lineup, removing the final six Australian wickets for just 38 runs. An incredible piece of skill from Greaves, it underlined England’s resolve to remain within striking distance in the final.
Lyon enchanted the waiting audience from start to finish. His canny bowling had already left Australia in a dominant position. They quickly and viciously set about trying to take a 3-0 series lead. For Australia’s bowlers, the tension increased as only four wickets were required to win the Ashes. They readied themselves for a dramatic final stretch on Sunday.
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